Industry Optimized

ABB

What will the world’s most essential industries look like tomorrow? From energy and water to materials and transportation, how can technology help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner?

Join scientist and host Fran Scott as she speaks with leading industry experts to uncover how automation, electrification and digitalization enable some of the largest and most complex industrial operations on the planet – and asks what will future of industry really look like?

Listen or watch Industry Optimized; a podcast from ABB’s Automation business area.

You can also watch Industry Optimized on YouTube here.

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21 episodes
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English

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S5 · E5
August 19 · 27 min
Engineered for depth: How deep underground mining changes the rules
As mining moves deeper underground to access new deposits, operations are becoming more complex. Underground depths introduce greater challenges around energy efficiency, thermal management, safety, and system reliability. Yet this evolution also presents opportunity. In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott speaks to John Manuell, Global Business Unit Manager for Hoisting, Process Industries division, ABB. They discuss how depth changes the rules of engineering, what this means for energy and system design, and why technologies such as electrification, integrated power systems and automation are becoming essential to maintaining safe, consistent, and efficient operations underground. We also hear from Gary Poxleitner, Mining Engineer at SRK on what going deeper means in practice: the operational challenges, and how mines are adapting their systems to work reliably and safely at greater depths. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E4
June 24 · 36 min
Upskilling the industrial workforce for the age of AI
Digital innovations and AI are transforming industrial workplaces, paving the way towards autonomous operations. But how do we balance the expectations of the next generation with the needs of existing employees – and give industrial operators practical ways to accelerate digital adoption? In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott speaks to David Lincoln, Digital Lead at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division. Together they discuss how to upskill today’s workforce to become truly digitally native – confident, capable, and ready to master the tools shaping the future of industry. We also hear from students at Imperial College London on what they expect their future work environment to look like. Thank you to Dr Colin Hale and Imperial College London for inviting us to the Carbon Capture Pilot Plant and to Baikai (Carleo) Zhu, Leo Fa and Golden (Xiao Xuan) Goh for sharing their insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E3
May 20 · 24 min
Small reactors, big opportunites: scaling nuclear power
With global electricity demand on the rise, the need for reliable power is becoming increasingly critical. Nuclear power is fast emerging as a critical part of this future infrastructure, with small modular reactors, or SMRs, gaining particular attention. Scalable, flexible and able to provide consistently high load factors, SMRs are emerging as an important technology for a reliable, low-carbon energy system. In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott speaks to Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, and Elova Ryegard, Nuclear Expert, Energy Industries at ABB. Together they discuss what a low-carbon future might look like, how SMRs can complement both renewable and conventional nuclear energy sources and why they’re increasingly seen as a practical pathway to expanding low-carbon energy capacity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E2
April 20 · 22 min
How digital tools support human talent in shipping
Digitalization is transforming the shipping industry - but its true power lies in supporting human expertise. Technology helps crews when navigating routes - it enables them to make smarter, safer, and more effective decisions. But how can digital tools empower human talent without overshadowing it? In this episode of Industry Optimized, host Fran Scott sits down with Jesper Lögdström, CEO of Oversea Fleet Support, to explore real-world examples where digital platforms and expert insight work hand-in-hand in the maritime industry. Discover how shore-based experts and vessel crews collaborate, act on data, and drive safer, more efficient shipping - proving that technology is at its best when it supports human judgment, not substitutes it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S5 · E1
March 18 · 44 min
Towards Autonomous Industrial Operations
Autonomous industrial operations might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie: a factory running in the dark, machines quietly humming and everything ticking along without a single person on the floor. But in reality, autonomy isn’t about replacing people. On the contrary: it’s about amplifying human expertise. In this episode, host Fran Scott sits down with Peter Terwiesch, President of Automation at ABB, and Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President for Global Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft, to take a closer look at what the journey towards autonomous industrial operations means in practice. This conversation is not about the hype, but rather about what’s real today and what’s coming next. Listen to or watch Industry Optimized from ABB on your favourite podcast platform, including Youtube and Spotify. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 11 · 48 sec
Welcome to Industry Optimized
What will the world’s most essential industries look like tomorrow? From energy and water to materials and transportation, how can technology help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner? Join scientist and host Fran Scott as she speaks with leading industry experts to uncover how automation, electrification and digitalization enable some of the largest and most complex industrial operations on the planet – and asks what will future of industry really look like? Listen or watch Industry Optimized; a podcast from ABB’s Automation business area, from Wednesday March the 11th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E8
Dec 10, 2025 · 10 min
From Big Questions To Innovation - A Look Back At This Season's Conversations
Throughout this season of The Process Automation Podcast, we’ve uncovered how experts around the world are rethinking the future of production in heavy industry. In the final bonus episode for this season, host Fran Scott steps back to revisit some of the standout ideas and insights that really made us stop and think. From digital tools reshaping everyday operations to the evolving nature of industrial work itself, you'll be hearing highlights from: April Whitson, Global Head of HR at ABB Process Industries (Episode 1: Driving change – people behind the energy transition) Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President at ABB Process Automation Technology (Episode 2: Automation in action – built to last, designed to evolve) Dr. Carlos Lopez-Gomez, Head of Policy Links at IFM Engage at the University of Cambridge (Episode 5: Small tech, big impact – delivering precision in harsh industrial operations) Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics (Episode 5: Small tech, big impact – delivering precision in harsh industrial operations) Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here: or at The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E8
Dec 3, 2025 · 26 min
Re-Routing The Seas - From Data To Delivery
The ocean is unpredictable, but smarter digital routing is transforming how ships navigate it to ensure safety of passengers, crew and cargo. From real-time weather insights to automated voyage optimization, routing services are evolving to help vessels save fuel, reduce emissions, and improve safety at sea. And as progress accelerates, we’re asking the big question: What technologies will shape the future of ocean routing? In this season’s finale, Michael Greavette and Mark Streuper from ABB’s Routing Solutions and Services in Marine & Ports division join Fran to explore how data and automation are reshaping navigation today, and what’s coming next. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or at The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E7
Nov 21, 2025 · 31 min
From Byproduct to Bioenergy - How Pulp and Paper Is Turning the Page For a Circular Future
In our previous episode, we explored how fiber is being used in new and unexpected ways beyond traditional paper production. Today, we’re continuing that story, looking at how the same spirit of innovation is transforming the entire pulp and paper industry. For decades, this sector has quietly been a pioneer in bioenergy and biomaterials. Through its evolution from traditional manufacturing sites into modern, self-sufficient biorefineries - and supported by active, long-term forestry that enables the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable energy - it has become one of the world’s largest producers and users of renewable energy from wood-based residues. But what does this transformation mean for the future of energy, sustainability, and even new revenue opportunities? That’s exactly what we’re exploring in this episode, as we ask: How is the pulp, paper, and fiber industry creating future value through biomass, biofuels, and circular innovation? Joining the discussion are: Gustav Melin, CEO and CFO at Mantex AB Wilson Monteiro, Business Line Manager for Pulp, Paper, and Fibre at ABB Roger Östlin, Head of Sustainable Fuels at SCA and CEO of the SCA–ST1 Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or The Process Automation Podcast - ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E7
Oct 31, 2025 · 19 min
Reimagining Fiber - From Paper to Bio-Innovation
Fiber is no longer just about paper. Across industries, wood and cellulose are being transformed into advanced biomaterials, sustainable textiles, and renewable energy sources. These innovations are reshaping how we think about circular production, reducing fossil dependency, and unlocking new business opportunities. In this bonus episode we are asking Stefan Thorburn, Senior Principal Scientist at ABB Corporate Research, how is this shift happening and what role is technology playing in enabling it? Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E6
Oct 10, 2025 · 29 min
The Rise Of Marine Digitalization - Smart Ships, Smarter Operations
In our last episode, we looked at how shipping - one of the world’s oldest industries - has evolved, with digital technology driving much of that change. Safety, efficiency, and sustainability remain the big drivers. Today’s ships benefit from smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, and real-time tracking. But taking digitalization further in such a complex sector isn’t easy. New and existing technologies must integrate seamlessly to keep operations safe, resilient, and reliable. Add to that the challenges of cybersecurity, secure ship-to-shore data, and preparing the workforce for a digital future - and the task becomes even tougher. That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode: how to take digitalization to the next level in the maritime industry. In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: - Mikkel Skou Managing Director of Veracity by DNV - Osku Kälkäjä, Digital Division Lead, ABB’s Marine & Ports division - Leigh Carr, Vice President, Maritime Cyber Safety of Carnival Corporation and PLC Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E6
Sep 24, 2025 · 10 min
The Digital Seafarer - From Compass To AI
Shipping is one of the world’s oldest industries, moving 80% of global trade and linking millions of people. But while seafarers’ mission hasn’t changed, the way ships are run has. Digitalization is reshaping maritime operations: smarter logistics, predictive maintenance, real-time tracking, and energy management. Modern ships are now “systems of systems,” where navigation, propulsion, and communications must work seamlessly together. In this bonus episode, we talk with Osku Kälkäjä, Division Digital Lead at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, about how life at sea has shifted from analog traditions to the realities of the digital era. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise. Link here: https://forms.abb.com/form-79084/process-automation-podcast-form or The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E5
Sep 10, 2025 · 18 min
Small tech, big impact - delivering precision in harsh industrial operations
From measuring emissions to boosting efficiency and enhancing plant safety, modern instrumentation often works quietly behind the scenes — yet its impact can be huge. Following on from discovering how the ‘Hidden heroes’ of Industry are created, we ask how these instruments have such a big impact? How do they integrate into the bigger picture to make operations more efficient? And how can they help industries operating in hazardous environments run leaner and cleaner? These are some of the questions Fran will be exploring as we ask the question, ‘How do small-scale instruments deliver large-scale impact in extreme industrial conditions?’ In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: Dr Carlos López-Gómez - Head of Policy Links, IfM Engage at The University of Cambridge Shanthala Kamath, Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E5
Aug 13, 2025 · 11 min
Hidden Heroes of Industrial Innovation
In industries where extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and high-pressure environments are the norm, specialized instrumentation technologies are making a massive difference. From compact sensors monitoring temperature in chemical reactors, to advanced instrumentation systems that minimize water loss in pipelines, these technologies are driving huge gains in safety, efficiency and sustainability. In this episode, we shine a light on these small but mighty technologies that keep the world’s toughest industrial environments running. To uncover the story behind these ‘hidden heroes’, we’re joined by Shanthala Kamath, R&D Corporate Executive Engineer at ABB Measurement and Analytics. She takes us inside the world of R&D (Research & Development) to explore how these innovations are created, tested, and what they could mean for the future of smart instrumentation. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. If you want to get involved and join us as an expert, follow the link to ABB’s website where you can let us know your domain of expertise: The Process Automation Podcast — ABB Group See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30, 2025 · 26 min
Get to know our host, Fran Scott
She’s usually the one asking the questions – but in this episode, the mic is turned. After four seasons of hosting The Process Automation Podcast, Fran Scott is joined by guest host Margarita Sjursen, Head of External Communications at ABB’s Process Automation business area, to take a closer look at the person behind the questions. We explore how Fran became a science communicator, engineering expert and podcast host – and reflect on what drives her passion for making complex topics engaging, accessible, and most importantly – fun! Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16, 2025 · 10 min
The Automation Balancing Act - Innovation Without Downtime
Technology advancements have driven transformative evolution for industrial automation, but the benefits of modernization must be weighed against the cost of interruption to plant operations. In this bonus episode, host Fran Scott is joined by Christopher Leinen, Chief Technology Officer at PLT Networks, to explore how industrial facilities can strike the balance between innovation and continuity. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E2
Jul 2, 2025 · 33 min
Automation In Action - Built To Last, Designed To Evolve
Process automation is everywhere – powering the essential industries we rely on every day, from energy and metals to water and beyond. In this episode, we explore the critical role of automation, and ask the question: “As demands for energy and materials grow, how does automation keep the world’s most essential industries running – safely, efficiently and without interruption?” In this episode, host Fran Scott is joined by: Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB Nico Duursema, CEO of Cerilon Sam Eklöf, Automation Engineer at Käppälaförbundet Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E3
Jun 11, 2025 · 10 min
Forging Innovation - 30 Years of Lessons in Metals
In this special bonus episode, we revisit the future of metals through the lens of experience. Frederik Esterhuizen, Business Line Manager at ABB, reflects on his 30-year journey in the metals sector: from the biggest shifts he’s witnessed in the industry to what 'future-proofing' really means today. He also shares his advice for the next generation entering the metals world. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E3
May 28, 2025 · 29 min
Future-Proofing Metals - The Backbone of Progress
Metals enable progress. They are essential to everything that shapes our daily lives, from infrastructure and transport to high technology. But with demand rising, how can the industry adapt to meet these needs in a responsible way? What steps will help to future-proof the sector? And why are automation, electrification and digitalization vital for the future of the metals industry? In this episode, host Fran Scott will be joined by: - Helena Malmqvist, Research Manager at Jernkontoret - Frederik Esterhuizen, Metals Business Line Manager at ABB Process Industries - Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E2
Apr 23, 2025 · 17 min
A Brief History of Industrial Automation and Control
The story of industrial automation begins with the Industrial Revolution, when machines first replaced human muscle, and extends to today’s advanced systems that operate some of the most complex industrial infrastructures on the planet. In today’s bonus episode, we explore that evolution through the eyes of the control room operator – tracing their journey from hands-on manual control to high-level system optimization. Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB, joins host Fran Scott on the podcast to delve into automation’s engineering and innovating milestones. Follow The Process Automation Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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